Humana People to People for World AIDS Day 2017

World AIDS Day is the 1st of December and is meant as an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS related illness. Initially launched in 1988, World AIDS Day remains important as it reminds the public and governments that HIV has not gone away – there is still a vital need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

This year’s theme is "Let’s End It". This global campaign will strive to end isolation and stigma, and most important – to stop HIV transmission. For the first time ever, we have the science to totally control the spread of HIV, leaning towards what is deemed a "functional cure", where HIV is reduced to undetectable and harmless levels. Yet last year an estimated one million people died unnecessarily from the illness, mostly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The member organizations of the Federation of Humana People to People want to end HIV transmission in some of the world’s poorest places. The programme Total Control of the Epidemic (TCE), uses a unique approach by focusing on individuals and their communities as key players in their own health and well-being. It principally works towards meaningful community engagement on the disease, strengthening awareness, increase access to health services, and bolster support for treatment. Humana People to People member organi zations currently implement 77 TCE projects in 12 countries, reaching by it 6.5 million people in Africa and Asia.

On World AIDS Day, The Federation Humana People to People will show its work via a set of videos that highlight TCE programmes in Namibia. These will be posted on members’ social media pages and websites. This year the Federation will be exploring the theme of men mobilising other men to get tested. This approach to HIV prevention has proven successful in reducing the spread of HIV and improving ART retention rates.